Michael J. Coyner's Books

Jesus called his core leaders with a simple, paradoxical phrase: "Come, follow me.

This is the official journal of proceedings of the 2009 session of the Indiana Conference meeting in Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Most church members would tell you that theirs is a friendly congregation, eager to welcome visitors and new members into their midst. Yet far too many of these same congregations have trouble translating this intention into action. Offering a friendly greeting to a new face is important, but it is only the first of many steps that congregations must take in order to turn visitors into members, and new members into committed disciples. The authors believe that to assimilate newcomers into the life and ministry of the congregation, the whole church system must be involved. Anderson and Coyner demonstrate how to identify and respond to visitors in a nonthreatening, yet interested way; how to share information about them with the leaders of those ministries and programs in which they would be most interested; how best to help them in their decision to become church members; and how to help them understand and fulfill their own call to ministry in the congregation. They insist that churches be motivated, not by a desire for institutional survival or advancement, but by a passion for people and their place in the kingdom of God.

This devotional resource includes forty of the reflection pieces that Bishop Coyner has written to his pastors and other selected persons since taking the episcopal office. Each reflection piece includes a Scripture reference, a 2- to 3-page reflection, and a concluding prayer.

Coyner and Anderson demonstrate how to identify and respond to visitors in a nonthreatening, yet interested way; how to share information about them with the leaders of those ministries and programs in which they would be most interested; how best to help them in their decision to become church members; and how to help them understand and fulfill their own call to ministry in the congregation.

Michael Coyner argues that though the early months and years of a new pastorate can be stressful and difficult, they can also be particularly fruitful. These new beginnings can be among the most rewarding times of a pastor's career, especially if the minister seizes opportunities for establishing and strengthening relationships with church members and plans carefully for the transition out of the initial “honeymoon” period. Drawing on years of experience as a pastor of local congregations as well as extensive work supervising pastors, Coyner provides solid, sensible guidance on making a good move into a successful ministry. Written in consultation with pastors from both “call” and “appointment” systems, this book will be of value to those who are starting a new ministry placement, whether they be fresh out of seminary or long-time seasoned veterans.

Jesus called his core leaders with a simple, paradoxical phrase: "Come, follow me.

Book's by Michael J. Coyner

The Andrew Paradigm

The Andrew Paradigm

Indiana Conference United Methodist Church 2009 Journal

Indiana Conference United Methodist Church 2009 Journal

The Race to Reach Out

The Race to Reach Out

Prairie Wisdom

Prairie Wisdom

The Race to Reach Out

The Race to Reach Out

Making a Good Move

Making a Good Move

The Andrew Paradigm

The Andrew Paradigm

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